Conan O'Brien to Host Oscars Again in 2026

The Academy Awards is bringing back Conan O'Brien for the 98th Oscars. The event will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre. This decision follows a highly successful 97th Oscars, which saw a significant boost in viewership and social media engagement. The show drew in 19. 69 million viewers, the highest in five years, and generated 104. 2 million interactions online, outshining both the Grammys and the Super Bowl. The return of Conan O'Brien is a strategic move by the Academy. His unique comedic style and ability to engage the audience have made him a favorite. Bill Kramer, the Academy CEO, and Janet Yang, the Academy president, expressed their excitement about having Conan back. They praised his performance and the producing team of Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan for creating a visually stunning and entertaining show. The producers themselves are thrilled to return, eager to continue celebrating the impact of film globally. Conan O'Brien's hosting gig is just one part of his busy career. He currently hosts the popular podcast "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend" and the travel series "Conan O'Brien Must Go" on HBO/Max. He will also star in the upcoming film "If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. " His return to the Oscars is a testament to his enduring popularity and talent. The 2026 Oscars promises to be an exciting event. The film calendar for next year is already looking promising, with a mix of big-budget blockbusters and auteur-driven projects. Among the anticipated films are Jon M. Chu’s musical sequel "Wicked: For Good, " Chloé Zhao’s adaptation of "Hamnet, " and two separate Frankenstein films directed by Guillermo del Toro and Maggie Gyllenhaal. These films are expected to bring a diverse range of stories and styles to the competition. The 98th Academy Awards will be broadcast live on ABC on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p. m. ET / 4 p. m. PT from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The event is set to be another celebration of cinema, showcasing the best in film from around the world. The Academy's decision to bring back Conan O'Brien is a clear indication of their commitment to delivering an entertaining and memorable experience for viewers.